unpredictable conduct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpredictable conduct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe behavior that is erratic or difficult to anticipate, often in contexts such as psychology, law, or interpersonal relationships. Example: "The defendant's unpredictable conduct during the trial raised concerns about his mental state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He defines it as "any court whose verdict is arranged in advance or otherwise clearly unfair" and "draws a sardonic analogy between the hopping gait of a kangaroo and the irrational and unpredictable conduct of the original frontier tribunals," complete with their "leaps of logic".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We are all concerned about Donald Trump's increasingly erratic behaviour and unpredictable methods of conducting international diplomacy; our security is at risk, and the fact that he has control over the US nuclear arsenal and its potential deployment is frightening.

The Guardian

Even the ground component of Desert Storm �� VII Corps advancing kilometre by kilometre across a very broad front — indicated that we were not ready to conduct a freewheeling, unpredictable campaign.

The New Yorker

(Hint: "The human body is unpredictable when it comes to conducting electricity").

The New York Times - Books

To avoid the clinical interference factors, the present study was conducted in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats, a valid animal model of depression [ 9], to investigate the alteration of lipid metabolism in the affective disorder.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

By many accounts, there has been a seemingly erratic, unpredictable character to Mr. Wahid's conduct.

The New York Times

Because the course of the disease is unpredictable, clinical trials are hard to conduct, said Dr. K Steff?son, chief executive of Decode Genetics in Reykjavik, Iceland.

The New York Times

"Defence Force personnel assigned to Operation Resolute are required to conduct operations in an unpredictable and demanding environment under intense scrutiny," Hurley said.

The Guardian

As the conflict drags on, the parties have become ever more violent and unpredictable, which has led to their conduct increasingly being in breach of international law.

The Guardian

"He's conducting a moving and unpredictable orchestra".

Los Angeles Times

His behaviour gets unpredictable.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's actions as "unpredictable conduct", provide specific examples to illustrate the erratic nature of their behavior. This adds credibility to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "unpredictable conduct" as a vague description without providing context. Instead, specify the type of unpredictability and its impact, making your writing more precise and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpredictable conduct" functions as a descriptor, where "unpredictable" modifies the noun "conduct". It typically serves to characterize behavior as erratic or not easily anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unpredictable conduct" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing erratic or unanticipated behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and academic contexts, and serves to convey concern or uncertainty about someone's actions. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific examples to support your description and avoid overusing it as a general descriptor. Alternatives such as "erratic behavior" or "volatile actions" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erratic behavior

Emphasizes the inconsistent and irregular nature of the behavior.

inconsistent actions

Highlights the lack of uniformity in the actions taken.

capricious behavior

Suggests behavior driven by whim and impulse.

unstable demeanor

Focuses on the fluctuating and unreliable nature of someone's attitude.

volatile actions

Implies a tendency towards sudden and potentially harmful actions.

irregular behavior

Highlights a deviation from normal or expected behavior.

unreliable actions

Focuses on the lack of dependability in the actions taken.

changeable conduct

Emphasizes the fluctuating nature of the conduct.

wayward behavior

Suggests behavior that is self-willed and disobedient.

mercurial actions

Indicates rapid and unpredictable changes in behavior or mood.

FAQs

How can I use "unpredictable conduct" in a sentence?

You can use "unpredictable conduct" to describe behavior that is erratic or difficult to foresee. For example, "The witness cited the defendant's unpredictable conduct as a reason for concern".

What are some alternatives to "unpredictable conduct"?

Alternatives include "erratic behavior", "inconsistent actions", or "volatile actions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unpredictable conduct" formal or informal?

"Unpredictable conduct" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation than on the phrase itself.

What does "unpredictable conduct" imply?

"Unpredictable conduct" implies that someone's behavior is not consistent or easily anticipated, potentially leading to uncertainty or concern among observers.